When a person is roofied, the effects commonly begin within 10 to 20 minutes. Always holding your drink or keeping it close to you and covered can help reduce the risk of a drug getting slipped into your drink. These effects can make it more difficult for victims to escape dangerous situations. “Roofies” contain Rohypnol or other common date-rape drugs such as gamma-hydroxybutyric acid (GHB) or ketamine. If you believe you’ve been roofied, it’s important to seek what to do if you think you have been roofied help immediately. Rohypnol, or Flunitrazepam, is a central nervous system depressant that belongs to a class of drugs called benzodiazepines.
It is also important to notify workers or managers if you are in a club or bar so that they can take proper action. Getting involved with therapy and support groups can help victims recover faster and more fully from the trauma of their experience. The length of time a roofie can stay in y our system depends on the type of drug used to spike the drink. A date rape panel drug test can test for substances like GHB, ketamine, and different benzodiazepines like Rohypnol.
It is also important to highlight the resources and support available for survivors of sexual violence. Various organizations provide assistance for those affected, emphasizing the importance of seeking help and the legal resources available to victims. Imagine yourself going out with friends, the music is thumping, and laughter is all around you—time of your life.
Memory Loss or Lapses
Whatever you choose to do is the right thing — and it’s OK for that “right thing” to change over time. Just remember that there are a lot of other people out there who’ve been through the same thing and are happy to help. And you have the right to choose who — if anyone — you have sexual contact with and under what circumstances.
It’s not uncommon for those who’ve been slipped drugs to never really know what actually happened to them. These substances are often colorless, odorless, and tasteless, making them difficult to detect when added to a drink. Within minutes, victims may experience dizziness, confusion, extreme drowsiness, or even unconsciousness. Ketamine is a dissociative drug that can create a sense of detachment from reality, hallucinogenic effects, amnesia, and loss of consciousness, depending on the strength of the dose. Veterinarians use ketamine as an anesthetic, and doctors sometimes prescribe it in supervised settings to address treatment-resistant depression.
- We’ll cover the signs of being roofied, its prevalence, what to do if you suspect you’ve been a victim, and other roofie prevention tips and considerations.
- Dizziness, confusion, or disorientation Directly after being roofied, you might get confused about where you are or who you’re with.
- The most commonly used date rape drugs include Gamma hydroxybutyric acid (GHB), Rohypnol (flunitrazepam) (commonly referred to as “roofies”), and Ketamine.
- Understanding the what and how of “date rape drugs” improves your odds of avoiding it.
- You want to make sure you remove yourself from the environment where the possible offender is.
You can either contact law enforcement or call the national sexual assault hotline to report the assault. If you are having difficulty reporting it, talk to a trusted friend or a therapist to receive support and advice. If you wake up and suspect you’ve been roofied, don’t bathe or shower, as it could destroy the evidence of sexual assault. A medical examination can help determine if abuse took place and use a rape kit to collect forensic evidence that can help in the pursuit of legal recourse.
Immediate Symptoms
Some of these drugs can be fatal in high doses — especially when combined with alcohol, prescription medications and other substances. It’s typical (and frightening) to have partial or total memory loss after a roofie attack. If somebody sexually assaulted you or you sustained an injury while sedated, you may have other medical issues, too. However, it will likely need to involve both physical and mental care.
Being roofied is a serious and alarming occurrence that can have devastating consequences for victims. By understanding what roofies are, how they work, and how to protect yourself, you can empower yourself to stay safe in social settings. By remaining vigilant, trusting your instincts, and looking out for one another, we can work together to create safer environments where everyone can enjoy themselves without fear. The status of Rohypnol, often referred to as a “roofie,” varies depending on the country and jurisdiction.
Preventing Future Incidents of Being Roofied
Rohypnol (flunitrazepam) is a prescription benzodiazepine—a type of tranquilizer with sedative and hypnotic properties that can induce amnesia and loss of consciousness when taken with alcohol. It’s also called roofies, la rocha, roche, R2, rope, Mexican Valium, circles, and the forget-me pill. Doctors in countries outside the United States sometimes administer Rohypnol as anesthesia before surgery. Rohypnol is easily dissolved and known for being undetectable in drinks, but newer versions of the drug can leave a bluish tint in light-colored drinks.
Remember that you are never at fault for being roofied, so enjoy your time while remaining informed and safe. Recognizing the signs that someone has been roofied is crucial for prompt intervention and safety. Knowing what to look for and how to respond can play a vital role in protecting others and preventing harm. If you suspect someone has been drugged, take immediate action by seeking medical help and reporting the incident to authorities. If you found this information helpful, please share this blog post to raise awareness.
Legal Recourse and Reporting
Yet, Rohypnol’s effects can last for several hours, unlike other drugs, whose effects can last for one hour or so. If you suspect that you or someone else has been roofied, acting quickly can make a significant difference in ensuring safety and proper care. These drugs act quickly and are often colorless, tasteless, and odorless, making them difficult to detect. Dr. Mitchell G. Cohen is a board-certified Internal Medicine specialist with over 34 years of experience in patient-centered healthcare. A graduate of Hahnemann University School of Medicine, Dr. Cohen completed his internship at the University Health Center of Pittsburgh, where he gained invaluable hands-on experience.
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By taking the above preventative measures and knowing the signs, you can better protect yourself. If you’re struggling to recover from the trauma, FHE Health may be able to help. Seeking immediate medical attention also helps if the victim decides to pursue legal recourse. If the person has been sexually assaulted, they’ll need to go to a hospital so the facility’s sexual assault team can collect forensic evidence. If you’re not sure whether you were sexually assaulted, a medical examination can help determine if that occurred. Taking pregnancy prevention medication is usually advised in this scenario, and hospital staff can use a rape kit that can help prove the guilt of the person who assaulted you.
- Seeking immediate medical attention also helps if the victim decides to pursue legal recourse.
- Sometimes, a bitter or salty taste to your drink can be a sign that someone has added something to your drink without your consent.
- But things happen, and even the utmost precaution won’t stop someone with bad intentions.
- Though in some cases (if you are a minor, for example), the evaluator may be forced to report the assault.
They can also perform drug and alcohol testing using blood or urine specimens. “You can make all other decisions about reporting, pursuing an investigation later once you are medically safe and back to complete coherence,” Michonski added. Remember what your drink looks and tastes like to identify even the smallest changes. Some varieties of Rohypnol turn drinks blue, and GHB can make your drink taste salty. Although anyone can get roofied, women are more likely to get roofied than men.
At Greater Boston Addiction Centers, we provide compassionate and comprehensive care for individuals recovering from trauma, substance misuse, or both. Whether you need Substance Abuse Treatment, Drug Rehab Treatment, or trauma-informed care, our programs are tailored to meet your unique needs. Keep yourself safe while partying by sticking with your close friends. Keep an eye on each other and watch out for each other while you’re all out and about.